Growing up we talked a lot about money in my house.
I promise it wasn’t because we had a lot, or because my parents were financial experts.
But my parents were open to having the conversations even if they didn’t get every money detail perfect in their own life. They were willing to share what they learned. And they understood that money was a topic that would come up again and again in my life (for better or for worse), which made it a topic worth spending some time on.
I recall . . .
opening my first bank account,
learning to save for big things that I wanted but didn’t need,
looking at a compound interest table with my Dad,
chatting about why we give money to those in need,
getting a car loan for my first vehicle (even though I had the cash) so that I could build credit,
paying off student loans,
getting a mortgage and buying my first house,
and later in life asking for a raise at work, opening investments, and managing a budget.
My parents were right. No matter what lifestyle you desire, money is a part of your world.
I am grateful my family had basic money conversations when I was young, so that I when I grew up and it really mattered, I felt comfortable around money discussions.
Do I understand it all to this day? Nope.
But I’m also comfortable asking questions about money, and that’s a pretty good starting point.
But parents, I get it.
It’s hard to know where to start with money conversations. Especially if you didn’t have many growing up.
I didn’t want that to be a barrier for the next generation,
so I used my background in Business and Childhood Education to write the Money Smart Kids series.
The first book (How to Sell a Rock) is all about a creative kid named Sebastian. Sebastian really wants a skate board, but his parents challenge HIM to earn the money instead of buying it for him. This leads Sebastian to learning some important lessons about money and starting a business.
(Fun Fact: this book has over 170 reviews on Amazon. See what other parents are saying)
The second book called How to Sell a Can just came out this month. Sebastian is back for more money adventures when he thinks he has a great business idea but it ends up being a total flop!
Fortunately Sebastian’s not one to quit. Once he faces his money challenges and learns how to calculate profit, he’s unstoppable $$$.
I promise, both these books will lead to great money and creative problem solving conversations with your kids (even if money isn’t something you grew up talking about).
Consider this your easy button to introduce money topics with your kids.
Remember, these are the lessons that they will carry in to adulthood.
It’s worth starting the money conversations now!
Money Smart Kids, recommended for Kids 5-12 yrs.
Available on Amazon
My Mom is the Worst 